ON THE RIGHT FOOT

Starting in Backyard Astronomy

Presented By:NEW EYES OLD SKIES

Getting Started

So you want to know how to begin in Backyard Astronomy? Join us and find out how to “start out on the right foot” and avoid common mistakes along the way. Astronomy is fun, educational and very rewarding. But first you need to “start”...

What NOT to do

Rush your purchase or act on impulse Buy The Wrong Kind of equipment Bite off more than you can chew Avoid obtaining advice or purchase from

a retailer not specialized in telescope optics

What TO Do

Read! Read! Read! Read!

Get Involved!

Spend time under the stars Make friends Join a club (NYAA, or RASC) Sample equipment Spend MORE time under the stars!

Magazines and Periodicals

Sky & Telescope Magazine Astronomy Magazine SkyNews Magazine

Equipment You Should Consider

Basic Star Charts Binoculars for Astronomy Quality Starter Telescopes for Beginners Telescopes for the Experienced Deep

Sky Observer or Astrophotographer

Star Charts for All Levels of Experience

Nightwatch by Terence Dickinson Planispheres Fourth Magnitude Star Charts Sixth Magnitude Star Charts Eighth and Greater Magnitude Star

Charts

Binoculars for Astronomy

Binoculars are often the most overlooked tool for backyard astronomy. It is assumed that a telescope is the required entry instrument. This is simply not true. Binoculars can show a wealth of objects including but not limited to:

Wide double stars Proper star colours

Binoculars for Astronomy Cont’d

The four largest moons of Jupiter Bright open clusters Brightest galaxies and nebulae Brightest globular clusters Large asterisms Satellite or ISS watching Milky Way wide field gazing

Binoculars

Minimum 42mm aperture 50 – 63mm Preferred 70mm+ Tripod Required 7-10 Power (without a tripod) 12-25 Power (with a tripod) Avoid “Zoom Binoculars”

Before You Choose a Telescope

Four pillars of choosing a telescopeHow much aperture (diameter) can I afford?How much aperture am I willing to transport

and set up (“The Portability Question”)What are my goals? (What is it I want to

see? Does it also include daytime /wildlife observing?)

Do I want to take pictures?

Starting Telescopes

Small Refractors (70mm) for young children

Reflectors (130mm – 200mm) or Refractors (90mm – 120mm) for teens and adults

Dobsonians (150mm-200mm) Small Computerized Scopes Multi-purpose Refractors for

daytime/wildlife observing (66-120mm)

A Telescope for Everyone?

A Telescope for Everyone?

The Computerized Catadioptric style offers the best aperture and functionality versus cost

Highly portable given it’s aperture relative to other designs

Suitable for children with supervision, teens, and adults alike

Certain models are quite capable for astrophotography and deep sky observing

Telescopes for Astrophotography

Apochromatic Refractors Catadioptric Telescopes Newtonian Reflectors

All of the above telescopes would require a heavy duty, stable, and accurate mount to achieve desired results.

What to Avoid

The low-cost, “department store”, “Christmas trash”, or “Nope Scope” Telescope, usually a 60mm or smaller Refractor or 76mm to 114mm Reflector. The optics are typically fine; however, the accessories and mount are generally very poor

There are exceptions and rule breakers!

An example of what to buy on the left and what not tobuy on the right

Go-To Telescopes

Computerized Mounts offer a quick observing experience for those constrained by time

Cost more per given aperture on any given telescope

Lower cost models may not live up to expectation due to small aperture

“Push To” Dobsonians with digital setting circles offer the best of both worlds

Go-To Telescopes cont’d

Full Go-To Computerization is convenient to locate general objects

Sky knowledge is still paramount to appreciate what you are seeing and is required to locate fainter, tougher objects

Excellent choice to host public outreach May not be suitable for younger children

The Observing Site

Choose a site that is safe and can accessed easily by a vehicle

Make sure the site is not inundated with bright, direct lighting (overhead streetlight or a bright flood light)

Best to stay within one hours drive if you are traveling to a site

Permits and/or permission may be required to use site

Always practice “Leave No Trace”

Observing Site Cont’d

Choosing a telescope to match your site is part of the “Portability Question”

Look out for “dark sky sites” and preserves and plan accordingly

The site must be able to accommodate your equipment without having to carry it far from your vehicle.

Join a club! Go to a Star Party

The ideal site can be elusive. The picture on the left looks more ideal but in fact is located in a

light polluted city.

Other Accessories

Eyepieces, Barlow Lens, Filters Dew Prevention Aiming Devices (Telrad, Quikfinder) Red Flashlight Quality Star Charts and References Small Table/Chair External Power/Batteries

Putting It All Together Non Computerized Telescopes

If you started with binoculars, you are ahead of the game and have a basic understanding of the night sky

If you didn’t start with binoculars and have a telescope, it is imperative to start learning the familiar constellations and types of objects

Charts and References are offer assistance to all levels of experience

Putting It All Together Non Computerized Telescopes

Master “Star Hopping” and “Constellation Mopping”

Work with one or two constellations per session and try your skill at Star Hopping

Learn from other people. Go with a group!

Don’t get down, keep trying. Think “scavenger hunt” or “journey”

Putting It All Together Non Computerized Telescopes

Sky knowledge is essential when finding “alignment objects”

Charts and references are still excellent choices

Planning your observing helps a lot! Knowing how the telescope works is an

absolute for the Go-To technology to work properly

“Constellation Mopping” is still fun!

Astrophotography

Start slowly Choose the right equipment Small, less robust telescopes are not

generally suitable (typically under $1000.00)

Get involved with club members, online forums or an observing group

It takes time and patience

Other Observing Tips

Use averted vision (look away from the object)

Keep warm – Dress the Part! Keep the insects away but don’t spray

repellant near ANY equipment Don’t get discouraged. If you feel you

are not achieving the goal you set, ask for help.

Other Observing Tips

Other Observing Tips Cont’d

Keep reading Join online forums (such as Cloudy

Nights) Invest time HAVE FUN!!!

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